Iowa State Fair

We are lucky enough to live within a 2 hour drive of the state fair that is considered one of the "1000 Things to do Before You Die". We had to go, and the drive was actually not too bad. The heat was absolutely oppressive, though, and it was super crowded since we went on the last saturday. An adventure such as this demanded a camera, and luckily one of Jason's friends was willing to lend us his camera for the day.


Just chillin' in the shade for a bit with our friends Kim and Treagan. These are some of Addie's favorite people.


We're not really sure what Andres was doing or why, but he really enjoyed this position for several minutes. Goofy kid.




The snake house was the best deal of the day. $5 for the whole family to see lots of big snakes, a turtle and Addie even got to touch one of the snakes and the whole thing was AIR CONDITIONED!! (we took our time in there and definitely got our money's worth (as opposed to the lemonade for $4)).





Addie liked the really big horses. We also saw a huge rabbit and some swans, geese, etc.




The pony ride. It was a must. The only part Addie didn't like: having to get off.



Andres was pretty content most of the day. We just tried to keep him cool and out of the sun (not easy to do).


The petting zoo was also a must for us. Addie could have spent all day there. Someone even gave us their little cup of feed that they paid for and didn't use. The only problem came when I was trying to help Addie feed some to a goat and it jumped up on the fence and grabbed the whole cup. At that point in the afternoon, I almost decked the little girl (about 9) who said in all seriousness and rather snotty to Addie (who was already upset) "You don't feed them the cup!". Instead I was just snotty right back and said "Oh really? Thank you." Yes, I know getting in a tiff with a 9 year old at a petting zoo is quite pathetic. But I was quite DONE.


So, all in all, it was a good experience. But Jason and I both agree that it would have been more fun if it was just us (no kids). So I think our next State Fair experience will be in about 20 years. Oh, and just for the record, it was good but I've been to better (maybe I have a different idea of fun than most, though).